Time running out for stimulus proposal to pass before Election Day

WASHINGTON — The clock is ticking for leaders in Washington to pass a second round of coronavirus relief aid before the November elections.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi handed down a deadline of Tuesday for the Trump administration to finalize a deal in order for one to be reached before the elections.

Watch: Study shows 4 million fewer jobs in U.S. if Congress scraps second COVID-19 stimulus plans

“I’m hopeful we can get to an agreement,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said. “I think Secretary Mnuchin and Speaker Pelosi clearly want to get a deal. The problem is they’ve been dealing with people who I don’t think wanted to get to a deal.”

“I want to do it at a bigger number than she wants,” Trump said. “That doesn’t mean all the Republicans agree with me, but I think they will in the end if she would go along with it. I think they would too.”

Read: Deadline looms, but COVID relief deal may be far off

The Senate also has two votes scheduled this week on stimulus proposals.

There will be a vote Tuesday for a stand-alone Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) bill to help small businesses.

Wednesday’s vote will be on a $500 billion stimulus proposal that Democrats blocked last month because they said it fell far short of what’s needed.

Cox Media Group